Peru Vacation Packing Checklist

One of Peru's greatest attractions to the visitor, the diversity of landscape and climate, can also be one of the biggest headaches. After all it can be difficult to know what to pack, and in what quantities when you'll be traveling through almost all of the world's main climate types. The following guide should give you some assistance with your packing list.

Deciding what to pack when you're going on vacation is always a difficult decision. This is especially true when traveling to a destination like Peru where there is such a great variety of climates. Even when traveling just to the Cusco area, one often finds that it is hot during the day when the sun is shining but cools down quite a bit at night.

For this reason, it's best to think about layers when it comes to clothing for Peru. At any time of the year, you may need clothing as light as shorts and t-shirts. However, you'll want sweatshirts or fleeces to throw on in the evening. You probably won't need a really heavy coat, rather, it's better to have a light coat that is wind resistant and can be thrown over a fleece if greater warmth is needed.

Unless you're going to spend some time in Lima and want to head out to a fancy restaurant or nightclub, you can stick to casual clothing. You can use a polo and jeans even when heading to the 5-star restaurants in Cusco. Comfortable shoes are a must when we think of this. You'll find you'll do quite a bit of walking and, in areas with stone sidewalks and streets, your feet will not be happy if they aren't well supported.

Laundry is extremely easy to have done and relatively inexpensive. Therefore, you can plan on traveling fairly light and just getting things washed as you need to. Leave the space in your suitcase for taking home mementos of your trip! For a little extra, many places can get your wash done in the same day.

Obviously, once you have planned what you are doing in Peru then you will have a better idea. For example, trekking will obviously require appropriate clothing. Hiking poles are a good idea as well as most of the trails involve a lot of up and down. You will need to break-in your hiking boots or shoes because they will be an integral item.

Regardless of what time of year you're traveling in, it's not a bad idea to bring a waterproof jacket for the rain. Although it's rare for rain to occur between April and September, it does happen. In any other month, it is definitely a possibility.

You'll want to make sure you have sunblock, sunglasses, a hat for protection from the sun and insect repellent. A swimsuit is a good idea as there are a number of hot springs. It's never a bad idea to have a small quick-drying towel as well.

Although it may seem obvious, it's best to bring whatever medications you need with you, including over the counter items that you've found to work well for you. Although you can get many pharmaceuticals without a prescription here, you can't always find your preferred brands.


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Whenever you are planning a vacation, it is always imperative that you know what to pack - this is never truer than when heading on Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours. When going to South America to see Machu Picchu and Galapagos, be sure to have the right travel operator.